Introduction

Finally I have finished the introduction. So far so good. I will hopefully summarize the chapter by answering a few questions posted by my teacher.

1) How does the amount spent on fast food compare with the amount spent on other things in our society? As Americans, we are spending more money on fast food than higher education, personal computers and computer software. (That's a jaw-dropper!) We are spending more money on fast food than movies, books, magazines, news papers, videos and recorded music COMBINED! (Oh My Gosh!)

2) What are some of the observations about McDonald's made by the author? Some observations include: McDonald's is a powerful symbol of America's service economy. McDonald's accounts for over 90% of the Country's new jobs. In 1968, there were over 1000 restaurants, but in 2006, there are over 28,000 worldwide. McDonald's adds (on average) 2000 restaurants a year. One eighth of all workers in the United States were employed by McDonald's at one point in their life. McDonald's is the largest purchaser of beef, pork and potatoes. It is the largest owner of retail property in the whole world. (Here's the real shocker) Over 96% of the children in the United States could identify Ronald McDonald, he is only second to Santa Clause.

3) What does the author say about independent farmers? The author states that farmers and cattle ranchers are losing their independence and becoming "hired hands" for the big-shot industry. Family farms are being replaced by giant corporate farms. Rural communities are losing their middle class. In fact, there are more prison inmates than full-time farmers these days.

4) According to the author, why did he write this book? The author wrote this book because he believes that Americans should know more about fast food. We should know about what is in the food and how healthy it is for us (which it is not!). He is concerned about the impact that fast food has on our nation's children. After all, the fast food industry is going after our children more than us. If they catch the children's attention and they say "Mommy, I want a happy meal!" guess what happens... five bucks later the restaurant makes more money and the child starts walking down the road every American faces, the road to obesity and unhealthy eating. The author closes the introduction with the old line "You are what you eat."